Taking the Stress Out of Back to School Mornings

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Early to bed, early to rise

“I have noticed that it makes our mornings much smoother if my kids get enough sleep, so early bedtimes are a must.” says Hoffman. Kids who have a consistent early bedtime are more rested for an early wake up. Rested kids are in better moods and stay on task on school mornings, causing less stress and conflict in the morning.

Eliminate electronics

With limited time to be prepared for school, it is best to eliminate electronic distractions. Parents and kids need to focus on the goal, which is getting to school on time. Distractions like television, handheld devices, and video games only slow down the process. Remind kids that there will be time for electronics after school, when their chores and homework are complete.

Adjusting to a new school schedule can take awhile, but if parents do their best to prepare the night before and teach kids to do the same, the mornings will run much smoother.

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Side Note:

Think Outside the Lunch Box

Some kids are more likely to eat their lunch if they are given a variety of foods rather than the same old thing every day. Here are some ideas to get you thinking outside the lunch box.

Wrap it up - fill a tortilla with meat, cheese, and veggies, add your favorite dressing.

Fill a Thermos with soup or pasta

Send pasta or lettuce salads

Dip it - hummus with veggies or crackers, guacamole with chips, or ranch with veggies

Leftovers - send last night’s dinner, chicken and pizza make a great lunch

Different sandwich - put meat and cheese on a sub sandwich instead of bread or send something unusual like peanut butter and banana (use sunbutter for a nut-free option)

Homemade lunchables - cheese, meat, and crackers

Kabobs - fill skewers with grapes, tomatoes, cheese cubes, or meat

Quesadillas - they are taste great cold too

Breakfast for lunch

Sarah Lyons is a stay at home wife and mother of six children, including 18 month old triplets. Using creative consequences with her kids has improved their behavior and encourages healthy relationships with each other.